I'm gonna be looking for a new kit soon. I got a cheap one just to get started / basic learning called Session Pro. Its ok to mess around on (and, Les Alamos has the same kit in Phoenix Nights) but the cymbals are quite shit.

I started on a humble Session Pro only 2.5 yrs back now!! so much fun - its a cool kit (for bottom of range/starter) my advice would be to: instead of forking out a few hundred for an upgrade to 'better' kit, invest in new skins, new cymbals and a good snare. Best value, non-shit cymbals are probably the Sabian B8 or B8 Pros - v. affordable and not to dissimialr to the real things (AA, AAX, Handhammered etc etc)
I use Vic Firth 2B or Rock Maple sticks, they break every 2-3 months but theyre light weight and perfect for my kind of RAWK! \m/
I (heart) DRUMMING

yeah - weight CAN norm determine a good kit (heavier better) although it isnt always the case. Maple kits are the best (deeper tones, perfect for rock! norm 3-5 layers of 5mm ply) Birch Wood used to be reserved for the lesser ranges but recently drum comps are using Birch in addition to other lighter woods like Oak or Maple in the Pro range kits. I used to like the 'punchyness' of the Session Pro, got a bit tinny after a while though. All depends on how much you've got to spend really. Id say better cymbals are a wiser investment over a mid-range/intermid kit cos cymbals are often what you'll need to have if your in a band...norm you can hire or borrow kits, but not everyone will lend their cymbals.
Yamaha make the 'best' intermediate (non-starter) kits i reckon - i think the Oak Stage something or another is a good choice...

I also thought about going for a Yamaha absolute nouveau, Birch Kick, Maple racks and Beech floor toms but my dealer talked me out of it because he just said have a go on that (the delite) and I was converted.

Ralph, I agree that DW's sound lovely, but put em with a band and I think they sound so weak. They are built like a sack of shite, they got my order wrong twice and the floor toms are absolutely rubbish.

The thing with my Sonor Delite is that the inner ply grain is vertical, apparantly making it easier for the sound to travel in the drum (hmm) but the shells, the hardware, build quality, are fucking AWESOME!!!

I now have 10, 12, 14, 16, 22 with 14 x 5 DW snare and a boat load of zildjian A-customs, i'll sort some pics out for ya